EduScape

EduScape - UGRA's educational landscape  Located at 125 Lehmann Drive in Kerrville

As you stroll along the landscape pathway you will see numerous examples of water conservation and stormwater detention practices that help stretch scarce water supply and protect all our water resources including the Guadalupe River. You can implement these same practices in your home or business landscape. We invite you to take a self guided tour of the EduScape at any time.  If you would like to schedule a guided tour, please contact UGRA through the form at the bottom of this page.

Topics Featured in the EduScape

The Guadalupe River - Rainwater Harvesting - Texas Wildflowers - Pervious Surfaces

Dry Creek Bed - Lawns - Condensate Collection - Rain Gardens - Xeriscape

Picture of Hill Country Master Gardeners and UGRA board member after completion of UGRA EduScape
Pictured L to R: UGRA Board Director and Master Gardener Diane McMahon, Master Gardeners Melayne Arnold, Debra Foley, Pam Umstead, and Meg Scott-Johnson

UGRA recognizes the innovative stewardship of the Hill Country Master Gardeners in the design and construction of the EduScape.  For additional photos and information about the Hill Country Master Gardeners, visit their webpage.

Certifications

The UGRA Eduscape hold the following certifications:

Monarch waystation certification for the Upper Guadalupe River Authority
Monarch Waystation #22438
UGRA's wildlife habitat certification
Certified Wildlife Habitat

Welcome

UGRA EduScape: Welcome. Quick Facts: Water demand in Texas is projected to increase dramatically in the future as the state continues to have strong population growth. As a result, protecting water resources and utilizing water conservation practices will be essential to sustain the state’s water supply and demand balance. The most economical and environmentally friendly new water source is water saved through conservation. Did You Know? The Texas Hill Country sits on the boundary of the Chihuahuan desert. Our position along this transitional zone has resulted in a diverse plant community where both desert and nondesert plants thrive. It also highlights the importance of our springs and river. We must wisely manage our water resources for future generations. What You Will Find As you stroll along the landscape pathway you will see numerous examples of water conservation and stormwater detention practices that help stretch scarce water supply and protect all our water resources including the Guadalupe River. You can implement these same practices in your home or business landscape. All of the plants featured in EduScape are native to our region and a few adapted plants are included as well. Native and adapted plants are more drought and stress tolerant, so they require less water and maintenance than other varieties. Using only native plants provides additional benefits to wildlife and biodiversity. Look for the plant labels and consider including some of these species in your landscape. 1. Welcome 2. The Guadalupe River 3. Rainwater Harvesting 4. Texas Wildflowers 5. Pervious Surfaces 6. Dry Creek Bed 7. Lawns 8. Condensate Collection 9. Rain Gardens 10. Xeriscape. UGRA recognizes the innovative stewardship of the Hill Country Master Gardeners in the design and construction of the UGRA EduScape, 2018.

Additional Landscape and Water Conservation Resources:

Many of the plants featured in the EduScape are highlighted in the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service "Native and Adapted Landscape Plants" resource - pdf  Check it out!

City of Kerrville Water Conservation Initiative - website

Recommended Plants for the Kerrville Area - pdf

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The Guadalupe River

UGRA EduScape: The Guadalupe River. Quick Facts: There are hundreds of springs and seeps in the upper Guadalupe River watershed. Springs provide the direct link connecting groundwater to surface water. At times, groundwater gushes out of the rock formations and at others it merely seeps. Most of the time, 100% of the river flow is from springflow. Did You Know? Springs in Texas have always been a part of the landscape. They provided water to native tribes over the centuries. Cabeza de Vaca possibly stopped at Kerr County springs in 1534. Several springs later became stops on the Chihuahua Road from Mexico to Indianola. Later, the springs were stops along the cattle drive trails in the 1800s. Today, they provide flow to the river for water supply, recreation and aquatic life. The health of the Guadalupe River is due in large part to the health of the many springs feeding the river. Origin of the River The Guadalupe River originates entirely within Kerr County as three branches of the river (North Fork, South Fork, and Johnson Creek) merge west of Kerrville to form the main river course. From there, the river flows eastward through Kerr County and beyond to its ultimate destination at the Gulf of Mexico. This beautiful spring fed river is one of the highest rated recreational and scenic rivers in Texas and is Kerr County’s central asset. Springflow and Rainfall Rainwater’s path to a creek or river depends on both topography and geology. Topography is the natural and man-made features that affect the surface path of water. Rain falling on the uplands runs off into draws producing seasonal streams; the steeper the slope the faster it runs. Over time, canyons are incised deeper into older layers of limestone. The Guadalupe River bed is a series of flat limestone layers that step down over distance. Geology determines the slower underground path. The Edwards-Trinity Aquifer overlies much of the upper river basin. Rainwater infiltrates through fractures in limestone until it reaches an impermeable layer. The water then slides along the top of that layer until it can emerge as a spring. Practices that promote recharge ensure springflow. Since rainwater is slightly acidic it dissolves limestone creating karst features such as dissolution cavities and caves. Such cavities act as reservoirs that provide baseflow for the river and keep springs flowing, especially during times of drought. Groundwater is recharged by rain that falls in the immediate area or across a broader region.

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Rainwater Harvesting

UGRA Eduscape: Rainwater Harvesting. Quick Facts: Rainwater harvesting is an alternative water supply approach anyone can use. Rainwater is valued for its purity and softness. It has a nearly neutral pH, and is free from disinfection by-products, salts, minerals, and other natural and man-made contaminants. A rainwater harvesting system can range in size and complexity from a simple bucket to tanks holding 1,000s of gallons of water. Regardless of the size, all systems have the same basic components: • catchment surface • conveyance system • storage • distribution system. Did You Know? Archeological evidence attests to the capture of rainwater as far back as 4,000 years ago, and the concept of rainwater harvesting in China may date back 6,000 years. Why Collect Rainwater? Protect the River, Increase Water Supply Rainwater harvesting reduces demand on existing water supply, and reduces runoff, erosion, and contamination of surface water. Rainwater can be used for nearly any purpose that requires water including landscape use, stormwater control, wildlife and livestock watering, in-home use, and fire protection. • Each inch of rainfall produces 1,240 gallons on a 2,000 square foot roof. • To determine how many gallons you can collect per inch of rain, multiply the square footage of your roof footprint (including porches and garage) by 0.62. Protect The River, Save Money Rainwater harvesting reduces flow to stormwater drains and reduces nonpoint source pollution. Rainwater harvesting helps utilities reduce the summer demand peak on water supply and delays expansion of existing water treatment plants saving taxpayers money. Rainwater harvesting can also reduce consumers’ utility bills.

Additional Rainwater Harvesting Resources:

Rainwater Harvesting Manuals - TAMU pdf and TWDB pdf
Rainwater Harvesting with Rain Barrels - pdf
Rainwater Harvesting Information from Texas AgriLife Extension Service - website and publications
ARCSA (originally the Texas Rainwater Catchment Association) - website
Rainwater Harvesting in Texas - website
Harvesting Rainwater for Wildlife - pdf

Reasons Your Plants Will Love Rainwater!

  • It is free of salts, minerals, and chlorine

  • It has a neutral pH

  • Plants will be healthier and require fewer added nutrients and pest controls

Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention: 
Ensure your rainwater catchment system complies with relevant plumbing and building codes.  Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems are identified by TCEQ as a potential hazard to a public water system because of the potential for cross contamination.  Residents with rainwater harvesting systems should install a suitable cross contamination prevention assembly (i.e. use of valve to prevent backflow or air gap to separate potable and non potable water). Contact your water provider for guidance to prevent contamination of the community water system.  
Additional information from TCEQ

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Texas Wildflowers

UGRA Eduscape: Texas Wildflowers. Quick Facts: Wildflowers are an excellent addition to a landscape focused on water conservation. They require little water, are drought tolerant, and are beneficial to our environment. Did You Know? One of the most specific relationships in the pollinating process is that of the yucca and the moth. There are many different species of yuccas native to Texas and each is pollinated by some species of yucca moth, commonly referred to as pronuba moths. Yuccas do not have the ability to produce seeds without the moths and yucca moth caterpillars feed only on yucca seeds. The organisms share a mutualistic relationship and are totally dependent upon each other for survival. Native wildflowers are one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Texas Hill Country. We see them along the banks of rivers and creeks, in pastures, on rocky slopes and outcroppings, and our many roadways. They have evolved to handle our drier climate and thin rocky soils and therefore make great garden additions to landscapes. Native wildflowers are drought tolerant once established, can be grown without amending the soil, do not require fertilizers, and are naturally pest resistant. In addition, they provide food for pollinators including bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and even some bats. Most wildflowers are annuals including those commonly found along roadways. They germinate, flower and produce seed, and die at the end of one growing season. Some wildflowers are bi-annuals. These plants germinate and produce a plant the first season, but do not flower until the second year. Perennial wildflowers live for many growing seasons and bloom every year.

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Pervious Surfaces

UGRA EduScape: Pervious Surfaces. Quick Facts: Pervious surfaces serve the same purpose as concrete or pavement- they allow people to walk, drive and park on them. However, unlike surfaces such as impervious asphalt and concrete, they can provide the environmental benefit of stormwater treatment and capture. By replacing existing concrete sidewalks and driveways, and incorporating pervious alternatives into new construction, we can protect our river and streams while ensuring that stormwater has a chance to soak into the ground to promote continued springflow. Did You Know? The amount of land covered by impervious surfaces can range from 10% in low-density subdivisions to over 50% in multi-family communities. In industrial and commercial areas, impervious surfaces cover more than 70% of the landscape. In regional shopping centers and dense urban areas, it is over 90%. Conserve water and reduce pollution by replacing impervious areas in your landscape. Impervious surfaces are mainly artificial structures such as roads, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and rooftops. The EduScape demonstrates multiple pervious surfaces. Water that flows off these impervious surfaces can pick up pollutants such as trash, leaked vehicle fluids, lawn fertilizer, and pet waste. The water heats up as it flows over concrete warmed by the sun and vehicle traffic, and gains speed as water volume increases. This polluted, hot, fast moving water is the opposite of what should be entering rivers. It clouds the water, blocks sunlight, kills beneficial organisms, and spurs the growth of algae. Replacing impervious surfaces in our landscapes with pervious alternatives allows stormwater to soak into the ground and minimizes the damaging runoff effects of stormwater. The use of pavers, gravel, and other pervious surfaces provides for stormwater control by limiting runoff at the source, reducing downstream erosion, and improving water quality by filtering pollutants.

Pavers used in UGRA EduScape: 

Grasstone by Pavestone
Perm Pavers by Pavestone

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Dry Creek Bed

UGRA EduScape: Dry Creek Bed, Both Functional and Beautiful. Quick Facts: Dry creek beds and bioswales allow maximum penetration of water into the soil while redirecting excess water from trouble areas such as foundations. Both are landscaping features used to slow, collect, infiltrate, and filter stormwater. Did You Know? Nonpoint source pollution results when small amounts of contaminants from a large number of sources are carried by rainfall runoff into waterways. For example, pollutants may be washed off lawns, construction areas, farms, or roadways during a heavy rain and carried to a nearby creek. Nonpoint source pollution from urban runoff is the primary cause of polluted waterways in Texas. Dry creek beds, bioswales, and rain gardens are a few features you can incorporate into your landscape to reduce nonpoint source pollution. Water Conscious Landscaping Different-sized rocks, boulders, and plants provide eye-pleasing texture to outdoor spaces, but require much less water than an expanse of lawn. Dry creek beds are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and water conservation-friendly — a winning combination. Adding Beauty to Landscape A bioswale is a linear, shallow, planted depression that guides water away from its entry point on the property. These swales are planted with moisture loving plant species that are also tolerant of seasonal fluctuations in moisture levels. A bioswale may guide water through the property or to a rain garden. These structures function like a dry creek bed to manage stormwater runoff while being a beautiful part of your landscape and improving biodiversity. Controlling Runoff Dry creek beds and bioswales are excellent choices for addressing places in the landscape that are hardhit by heavy rains. Slopes and hillsides need the runoff and storage capacity that a dry creek bed or bioswale can provide during extreme conditions. Effectively redirecting the surface runoff saves the landscape from ongoing erosion and long-term damage and can lessen the negative impacts of stormwater runoff while enhancing springflow through recharge.

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Lawns

UGRA EduScape: Lawns. You Don’t Have to Give Up a Beautiful Lawn to Conserve Water. Quick Facts: Everyone can do something to make sure we have enough water for current and future needs. Outdoor water can constitute a large portion of overall residential water use so wise landscape watering is an important place to start. Did You Know? You can easily determine how much water your sprinkler system applies to each watering zone. • Evenly place multiple straight-sided food containers on your lawn in each watering zone. Tuna cans work great for this or you can use other similarsized containers. • Run your sprinkler system for 15 minutes in each watering zone. • Measure the depth of the water in each container using a ruler. Write down the measurements. • Multiply each measurement by 4 to get the hourly precipitation rate. • Adjust sprinkler system to provide only the amount of water required by the turf variety. Conserving Water Most homes and many businesses feature large grassy expanses in their landscape. This is not surprising since many of us enjoy the park-like appearance of a freshly mown lawn. While lawns are great for kids and pets, help lower the temperature around the home, and keep moisture in the ground, they can have drawbacks. Unfortunately, a turf-dominated landscape requires a lot of maintenance and can use a lot of water. Things You Can Do • Choose turf grass that is suited for our hot and dry climate with appropriate light requirements. • Use appropriate fertilizer for your soil and plants. Follow directions on the package to avoid over fertilizing. • Irrigate efficiently: know your watering output and your plant’s water needs so you can water deep and less frequently. • Reduce the amount of turf grass by adding xeriscape beds with drought tolerant plants. • Raise mower height during drought or very hot weather. The taller grass produces its own shade and reduces moisture loss. The key to watering efficiently is to frequently adjust the amount you water throughout the growing season as the weather and your plant’s water needs change.

Additional Resources for Lawns:

Managing Lawn Problems - pdf
Landscape Irrigation - pdf
A Watering Guide for Texas Landscapes - link

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Condensate Collection

UGRA EduScape: Condensate Collection. Quick Facts: The condensate that collects on refrigeration equipment, from home air conditioners to industrial cooling towers, is of significant volume and a potential alternate water source. • Condensate is a high-quality source of water similar to distilled water • It’s mineral-free and suspended solids are very low • The pH is neutral to slightly acidic which benefits plants growing in our alkaline soils • Temperature is low. Did You Know? A general rule of thumb is that 0.1 to 0.3 gallons of condensate water is produced for every ton-hour. That means 200 to 1,000 gallons of condensate water is produced by your home cooling system each month. Increasing Water Supply Cool Air & Water Central air conditioners produce something other than cool comfort: water, lots of it. Because dry air holds less heat energy, humidity extraction is a critical part of an efficient air conditioning process. When the air conditioner blower pulls warm household air through the frigid passages of the evaporator coil, the cooling effect causes water vapor to condense out of the air rapidly. Condensation drips down into a collector pan under the coil and is conveyed through a drain line to a household sewer connection or simply to the outside of the house. Collecting condensate from air conditioning systems is relatively simple and a can be implemented in both commercial and residential buildings. Why Use Air Conditioning Condensate? • Condensate water is produced in hot weather when the need for extra water is high. • Condensate water is a by-product of the cooling process and is FREE. • Condensate water is high quality and ideal for landscape irrigation and make-up water for cooling towers. Ways to Use Condensate Water at Home • Place a 5-gallon bucket near the end of your drain hose and use as needed on plants. • Attach a soaker hose to the drain hose as another option. Route the soaker hose around plants and shrubs. The soaker hose will release small amounts of water along the entire hose to keep your plants and shrubs watered without the threat of standing water. • Connect a longer garden hose to the drain hose. Place the opposite end of the hose in flower beds or near trees that need extra water.

Additional Resources for Condensate Collection:

Did you know Peterson Regional Medical Center is a leader in condensate collection in Kerrville?  The facility generates an estimated 400,000 gallons of condensate water each year just from the air conditioning system.  The 90,000 gallon storage tanks convey water to their landscape irrigation system and provides a constant supply - even during drought. The stored water also serves as an emergency non potable water supply. Read more here - pdf

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Rain Gardens

UGRA EduScape: Rain Gardens. Controlling Stormwater Runoff. Quick Facts: Rain gardens are located and designed to intercept the water running off yards, driveways, sidewalks and parking lots before it enters the street and storm sewer. Plants in a rain garden are attractive because they can give color to the landscape at all times of the year. Rain gardens can be designed for an individual yard or a neighborhood. Did You Know? Stormwater runoff is a major cause of water pollution and flooding in urban areas because of the increase of impervious cover replacing the natural environment. Managing rain where it falls helps prevent pollution laden runoff from entering our river and creeks. Stormwater management strategies like rain gardens help filter the pollutants and recharge groundwater – a beneficial strategy for us and our environment. What are Rain Gardens? A rain garden is a planted shallow depression that collects rainwater runoff from roofs, parking lots, and other surfaces. While a rain garden can blend into the landscape and serve as a garden area, its main function is to retain and treat collected stormwater. Stormwater runoff increases urban flooding, erodes the banks of rivers and streams, and carries pollutants into waterways. A rain garden can turn stormwater problems into water supply assets by slowing runoff and allowing it to soak into the ground. How They Work Rain gardens are not ponds. Existing soil is replaced with layers of high-infiltration soils, gravel, and mulch. They are usually planted with native or adapted vegetation that tolerates both waterlogging and drought. Rain gardens fill up with runoff during rain events and slowly drain afterward. As the runoff drains from the rain garden, the plants and soil trap pollutants. Rain gardens work best when they are maintained regularly by removing weeds, aerating soil, and removing any clay layers. Stormwater Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants, and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to our river and streams. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing and providing drinking water.

Additional Resources for Rain Gardens:

Stormwater Management: Rain Gardens - pdf
Rain Gardens Fact Sheet - pdf
How to Create a Rain Garden - pdf
Rain Garden Design - video
Rain Garden Maintenance - pdf

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Xeriscape

UGRA EduScape: Xeriscape. Quick Facts: Xeriscape landscapes conserve water and protect the environment. Xeriscape landscapes are more than just cactus and rock gardens. They can be vibrant landscapes full of beautiful plants maintained with water-efficient practices. Did You Know? In urban areas, about 25% of the water supply is used to water landscapes and gardens. In the summer, as much as 60% of the water the average household uses may be for landscape maintenance. Many traditional landscapes require large amounts of water, and much of this water is applied inefficiently and wasted. What is Xeriscape? No, it is not ZEROscaping which conjures up the image of a barren yard containing rocks and no plants. Xeriscaping is a method of landscaping in arid and semiarid areas that helps to conserve water. Xeriscape Water Saving Principles: • Start with a plan • Limit turf areas • Select appropriate plants for soil and climate • Irrigate efficiently • Use mulch. Hardscapes Hardscapes include any non-plant features of your landscape such as patios, walkways, and boulders. These structures not only provide visual appeal to your landscape, but can also help achieve water management goals like controlling runoff and reducing areas requiring irrigation. Terracing and the use of gabion walls are structurally sound solutions to manage steep slopes. They prevent erosion, slow the flow of runoff, and enhance the aesthetics of your xeriscape landscape. A well-designed landscape that uses Xeriscape principles can reduce maintenance by as much as 50% through reduced mowing, once per year mulching, the elimination of plants that require lots of water, and efficient irrigation.

Additional Resources for Landscape Maintenance:

Yard Care - pdf
Managing 10 Common Texas Yard Pests - pdf
Mulching and Composting - pdf
How to Create a Drought-Tolerant Yard - link
Hillside Stewardship Guide from Hill Country Alliance - link

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